Report: Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are reportedly in Pursuit of a young starlet
The USMNT Transfer Notebook continues to track the movements and potential moves of American players across the globe, offering the latest updates on those in the U.S. men’s national team pool. With the summer transfer window entering its decisive final weeks, several U.S. stars face critical career crossroads that could shape their international futures ahead of the 2026 World Cup under Mauricio Pochettino.
Yunus Musah: Staying in Milan or Premier League Bound?
The situation surrounding Yunus Musah has turned into one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer sagas. The talented U.S. midfielder, currently at AC Milan, appeared to be set for another season in Serie A after a strong preseason. However, in recent days, momentum has shifted towards a possible move to England.
Nottingham Forest have reportedly made Musah their top transfer target, opening talks with Milan. According to The Athletic, Forest’s initial offer came in at $35.1 million, slightly below the Italian club’s $40 million valuation. That gap in valuation could prove decisive, especially with Crystal Palace now lurking in the background.
Palace’s interest was highlighted by journalist Ciro Venerato, who noted the South London club’s admiration for Musah. While Forest’s pursuit shows intent, their recent history with U.S. internationals is mixed—most notably the unsuccessful integration of Gio Reyna two seasons ago. Palace, on the other hand, already feature a familiar U.S. face in defender Chris Richards, though their midfield is currently well-stocked with Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada.
Napoli have also been whispered as an outside contender, adding another twist to the story. For now, Musah’s next destination remains a mystery—whether he stays in Milan, heads to Nottingham, relocates to London, or makes a surprise move to southern Italy.
Josh Sargent: Norwich Star in Demand
Over in England’s Championship, Josh Sargent has started the season in blistering form, scoring in both of Norwich City’s opening matches. His performances—and leadership as captain in the season opener—underline his value to the Canaries.
Despite this, Norwich manager Liam Manning has admitted the club must be realistic about Sargent’s future. “You’d be mad not to prepare behind the scenes given the level of interest,” Manning explained. “Of course, we want him to stay, but we have to be ready if circumstances change.”
Sargent reportedly turned down a move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg earlier in the summer, but links to Premier League newcomers Burnley and promotion hopefuls Leeds United remain active. With his form peaking, clubs looking for a proven, in-form striker may test Norwich’s resolve before the window closes.
MLS Talents Attracting European Attention
In Major League Soccer, the transfer spotlight has also been shining brightly. Columbus Crew winger Max Arfsten has been linked with a European move all summer. His versatility and attacking instinct make him an appealing option for clubs abroad, and a deal could materialize before deadline day.
Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake’s 17-year-old sensation Zavier Gozo is reportedly on the radar of Belgian giants Genk. The forward, considered one of the brightest young prospects in the U.S. setup, has impressed scouts with his pace, skill, and maturity beyond his years. A move to Belgium would follow a well-trodden path for American players seeking to break into European football at a young age.
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With the August 31 deadline fast approaching, the fates of Musah, Sargent, Arfsten, and Gozo hang in the balance. Each decision could carry significant weight not only for their club careers but also for their chances of making Pochettino’s squad for the World Cup. The coming weeks promise high drama as clubs across MLS and Europe finalize their summer business—and U.S. national team fans keep a close eye on where their stars will be playing next.